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Welcome to Madison, AL AYSO Region 498

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Frequently Asked Questions

Section 5 Games Overview

Section 5 holds an annual tournament for AYSO teams from the 9 States that form AYSO Section 5, this tournament is known as the Section 5 Games.

The location of the Section 5 Games is moved every 2 years, typically rotating between Charlotte, NC, Knoxville, TN, and Huntsville, AL; and are usually held in mid-June.

The Section 5 Games are still a part of AYSO, and therefore still follow the same principles that cover our Regular Season programs, AYSO Six Core Philosophies.

As an AYSO tournament it is open for age division U10, U12, U14, U16, and U19.

The aim of the Section 5 Games is to get as many teams playing soccer as possible, as well as provide an opportunity for more competitive play.

To meet this aim the Section 5 Games try to offer (brackets for “Core” teams and “Extra” teams (formerly known as "Select") in as many age divisions as possible.

If there insufficient teams to form both brackets then all teams will play in the "Extra" bracket.

"Core" teams are any team from Fall or Spring seasons, formed by the normal Region team balancing process.

"Extra" teams are any team that is formed by a selection process, typically a Try Out system.

A "Core" team may opt to play in the "Extra" bracket, but an "Extra" team can only play in the "Extra" bracket.

Player Eligibility

To play on a Section 5 Games Extra team, a player:

MUST have played any one of the Region 498 regular seasons (Fall, Indoor, or Spring), and participated in at least half of the games of the qualifying season
Meet the upper age requirements for the age division as defined in AYSO National Rules & Regulations
Meet the lower age requirements, as defined in the AYSO National Rules & Regulations, of the age division immediately younger than the age division they wish to play in.
- This does not apply to U10 division. U10 division player must meet the minimum age requirements for U10 (i.e. U8 players cannot play up on a Section 5 Games team)

Team Administration

Section 5 Games teams MUST be self funding for the tournament. The Section 5 Games tournament fees, uniforms, travel costs, and any other expenses must be covered by the team members.

Any activity the team undertakes for the preparation for the tournament is to be conducted outside of the regular AYSO activities.

The Region's Section 5 Games team uniform will be chosen by the Section 5 Games committee. Team coach input will be sought where practical.

"Extra" teams MUST hold a minimum of 3 Try Out sessions.

All Try Out sessions MUST be widely publicized and be OPEN to all players within the age division.

A younger age division player may play up one age division providing there is a place in the older age division. Under no circumstance can a player of an age division be displaced to make space for a lower age division player.

A U8 player is not allowed to play in any AYSO tournament.

Teams are limited to 3 non-AYSO tournaments in preparation of the Section 5 Games. Participation in a tournament must be approved by the Regional Commissioner.

"Core" teams that do not have a full roster of players willing to enter the Section 5 Games may add up to 3 players to the roster. If the addition of 3 players does not bring the team to full roster strength, the team has options:

1. Compete in the "Core" bracket with a reduced roster

2. Compete in the "Extra" bracket and add players to make full roster strength

Try Out Process

Coaches determine the dates and time of the Try Outs, see panel opposite

See "What to bring to Try Out" section

Coaches will conduct a warm up followed by various activities, including, but not limited to:

     > Fitness and agility

     > Technical skills - ball control, passing accuracy, turning, etc.

     > Tactical skills - movement off the ball, reading the game, situational awareness

     > Goalkeeper drills

    > Small sided games

What to bring on to Try Outs

AYSO PLAYER FORM
- This form is proof of registration and liability insurance and MUST be on site for a player to participate in any activity
- Sign in to www.eAYSO.org , print out form, including the Concussion page
- See Player Eligibility
Equipment - Wear cleats, shin guards, comfortable shorts/shirt and weather appropriate outer wear clothing
Ball - Size 4 soccer ball and properly inflated (write your name on the ball).
Water - at least 1 quart gallon. One 20oz bottle is not enough. Players are advised to prepare for Try Outs by drinking 16-20 fluid oz of water approx. 30-40 mins before the start of the activity.
Goalkeeper gloves - if you plan to try out for goalkeeper

Coach Eligibility

Have a current Volunteer Application on file at the National Office
Be an AYSO trained and certified coach, at the appropriate age certification they wish to coach
Be Safe Haven certified
Be an active participant in the Region’s standard primary program as an instructor, coach or Referee mentor, or other volunteer service the Region determines adequate to fulfill this requirement
Be in good standing with the Region, Area and/or Section and AYSO
Be recommended by the Region 498 Section 5 Games Committee
Be approved by the Regional Commissioner.

To apply to coach a Section 5 Games team email [email protected], stating your name, age division you want to coach and in which bracket (Core or Extra)